Former Tottenham and Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng left the field in protest after suffering what his club AC Milan described at racist abuse during a friendly today.

The game between Milan and fourth division Pro Patria was abandoned after Boateng stopped mid-play in the 26th minute, picked up the ball and kicked it into the crowd.

The Ghana midfielder then tore off his shirt and walked off the field at the opposite end. On his way, he applauded other sections of the crowd, who then appeared to react angrily towards the corner of the ground from which the chants came, reports the Press Association.

Pro Patria's Dario Alberto Polverini attempted to talk to Boateng as he departed, but the midfielder carried on walking and the rest of the players and officials followed him off the pitch.

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It was quickly established that play would not restart. Milan's official website, acmilan.com, was running a text commentary on the game, the headline on which was changed to read "Pro Patria-Milan suspended definitively".

The entry for the 26th minute read: "AC Milan leaves the pitch after racist abuse by a minority of Pro Patria fans at Boateng, (Mbaye) Niang, (Urby) Emanuelson and (Sulley) Muntari. The rest of the fans in the stands disassociated themselves from such racist events."

Had enough! Boateng kicks the ball into the stands

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri told reporters: "We are disappointed and saddened by what has happened.

"Milan play for the right to respect all players. We need to stop these uncivilised gestures.

"We are sorry for all the other fans who came here for a beautiful day of sport. We promise to return, and we are sorry for the club and players of Pro Patria, but we could not make any other decision.

"I hope it can be an important signal."

The match was goalless at the time, with Muntari having had a goal disallowed for offside.

Boateng took to Twitter to give his thoughts in a succinct message.

He said: "Shame that these things still happen... #StopRacismforever"

A number of other figures from football also spoke up to lend their support for Boateng.

Milan midfielder Urby Emanuelson on Twitter:

"That still this kind of things can happen anno 2013.. What a shame!!!!! #StopRacism"

Milan director Umberto Gandini on Twitter: "Very proud of the Milan players who decided to walk off the pitch today for racist abuse from few idiots! No racism, no stupidity!"

Rio Ferdinand on Twitter: "If the stories about KPB walking off the pitch with teammate's after being racially abused are true,fair play to him..well done #UefaStandUp"

Vincent Kompany on Twitter: "Act of racism against Boateng during Milan's friendly. How about becoming extremely intolerant towards racist idiots? They need to be told.

"I can only salute Milan's decision to leave the pitch. Also noted that the majority of the fans were completely supportive of the players."

Michael Owen on Twitter: "That Prince Boatang footage from the Milan game is shocking. Shame it takes a player to do that instead of the authorities being proactive."

Gary Lineker on Twitter: "The only way to to change things is to punish the teams these vermin support. Not with meaningless fines but points!"